Page 295 - PERSIAN 4 1899_1905

RESIDENCY AND MASKAT POLITICAL AGENCY FOR THE YEAR 1001-1002. 11
A man of masterful disposition and pronouncod views which lie did not
hesitate to givo expression to, it was not within the nature of things that lie
should have been a generally popular personality; hut while on the one hand it
is doubtful if the present Sultan ever had any personal regard for him, it is none
the less certain that His Highness fully recognised the fact that in all mattcra
lying beyond the scope of parochial polities the statesmanlike perspicacity of his
kinsman was a valuable asset to himself.
On the day of the Vnzir’s demise, the Sultan’s Flag was half-masted and the
several Consular representatives followed suit as a mark of respect to deceased’s
memory. They also paid visits of eondolcncc at the palace, the Political Agent
being directed to convey to llis Highness expressions of regret on behalf of His
Excellency the Viceroy and of the Resident in the Persian Gulf on hearing of
the loss which lie had sustained.
9. On 20th November 1901, the telegraph cable, which bad been extended Macabioa3li
from Jask across the Gulf of Oman to Maskat, was opened for traffic—an
important event in the annals of .Maskat. When the question of the extension
was under consideration it was not estimated that the takings would amount to
move than 11s. 1,000 per mensem, but the average of the first four months of its
working is found to he about 11s. 1,500.
10. Mashat has enjoyed complete immunity from epidemic disease. The duties and
of Health Officer of the port were last year entrusted by the Sultan to the Agency Moasuros.
Surgeon : and this year also, the preventive arrangements under his supervision
have been carried out most satisfactorily and with an entire absence of friction.
On the transfer of Captain F. A. Smith, I.M.S., to India just before the end
of the year, llis Highness wisely continued the same arrangement in the case
of his successor, Captain J. W. Grant, I.M.S.
11. No slave dhows were brought in for adjudication during the year by siave-Trada.
any of His Majesty’s men-of-war, and it is to be noted that for the last throe
seasons there has been no slave cruising under Admiralty orders. Fifty-four
fugitive slaves applied to this Consulate during the year for protection and
freedom. Of these one absconded while His ease was under investigation ; three
were dismissed as not being slaves, and lil’tv were given freedom with the con­
currence of the Local Government. The Africans were sent direct to Zanzibar, in
accordance with the orders of Government providing for repatriation of Negroes.
12. Maskat was visited during the year by Ilis Majesty’s ships Cossack, Navy.
Pigeon, Assaye, Sphinx, Perseus, Jfarathon, Pomone, Lapicing, Fox and
Redbreast— and by tlie Royal Indian Marine Steamers Jliuto and Investigator.
Foreign navies were represented as under :—
French.—Jean Bart, Inf cruet, Catinat, Chasscloup Loubat.
R ussiATs.— Varyag.
13. Captain F. A. Smith, I.M.S., was transferred to India and handed over
his duties to Captain J. W. Grant, I.M.S., on 11th February 1902.
Monsieur P. Ottavi, Consul for the French Republic, left for Europe on
5th July 1901, and was relieved by Monsieur R. Laronce.
P. Z. COX, Major,
Political Agent, Maskat.
Maskat;
The 2nd April 1902.

O 2